Garbage disposal in Sunda Strait

Garbage disposal in Sunda Strait

From Media Indonesia

There's nothing wrong with throwing leftover food into the garbage can. Likewise, disposing of garbage is a common practice as garbage is waste material, especially domestic waste. But when it comes to disposing of garbage in the sea, let alone the Sunda Strait, there you have a problem, especially if it is done regularly and continuously. Imagine the negative impact of this irresponsible, hazardous practice on the strait if every ship is in the habit of doing so.

In the morning of July 18, 2000, when I was on board the Fery SP, crossing the Sunda Strait from Merak Harbor, I was shocked to see several crew members of the ferry and some passengers disposing of garbage into the sea, despite signs saying "Do not throw garbage into the sea" at many corners of the ferry.

We all know that such bad practice is against the nation's efforts and campaigns on environmental control: Many people are concerned about polluting the environment and are concerned about the environmental impact of pollution. I believe the ferry's crew should also be concerned about this by practicing what the ferry's captain preaches, or calls on, as indicated by the signs. They should set good examples to all passengers on board their ferries in observing the current ferry regulations on housekeeping, safety, and so on.

I'm asking all parties concerned to pay special attention to the above matter, including to find out if other ferries or ships have also been polluting the strait.

ENO NETTIE E. SUPRIATNA

Pandeglang, West Java